The Truckee Meadows has recently experienced an increase in fentanyl related overdoses and overdose deaths of people believing they were using cocaine and/or methamphetamine according to Regional Narcotics Unit (RNU) detectives.
RNU detectives, in partnership with all local law enforcement agencies, are diligently working on reducing this public safety threat by investigating these recent deaths, and by targeting individuals responsible for the distribution of fentanyl laced narcotics.
Official data on those unknowingly being exposed to lethal doses of fentanyl are not yet available. According to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, between January – September 2021 there were 201 drug-related deaths in Washoe County. Of those, 54 were fentanyl related. All data is still preliminary.
Regional law enforcement officers caution citizens about street drugs. Prior warnings have advised citizens about the dangers of possibly purchasing and using counterfeit prescription medication. Local law enforcement is now finding cocaine and methamphetamine laced with fentanyl as well as an increase in powdered fentanyl being sold on the street.
Anyone who uses drugs, or has a loved one who is dealing with addiction, should keep naloxone medication on hand. Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and is available without a prescription at most drug stores in Nevada.
